How To Get YOUR Crown Back!

Summary

This video covers both non-surgical and surgical options for addressing hair loss at the crown of the head, an area often affected first. Non-surgical methods focus on slowing hair loss with treatments like DHT inhibitors, minoxidil, and laser therapy, while surgical solutions include hair transplants using FUE or FUT techniques. Challenges in crown restoration include the larger surface area and changing hair angles, making density harder to achieve compared to the frontal scalp. The video also provides clinical examples, emphasizing the importance of customized treatment and setting realistic expectations for hair restoration outcomes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Non-surgical treatments like DHT-reducing medications (finasteride, dutasteride) and natural remedies (saw palmetto, pumpkin seed oil) can help prevent further hair loss in the crown area.
• 😀 Oral minoxidil is more effective than topical versions in improving fullness in the crown and other areas of the scalp.
• 😀 Stress reduction, proper diet, and nutrition are critical factors in maintaining hair health and preventing hair loss.
• 😀 Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) can be a good option for camouflaging thinning areas in the crown, especially when some hair is still present.
• 😀 Hair transplants (FUE and FUT) can effectively restore hair to the crown, but there are unique challenges, such as the larger surface area and the whirl pattern of the crown.
• 😀 The 'halo effect' can occur if the transplant is not carefully executed, creating an unnatural look with a dense central area and sparse surrounding hair.
• 😀 For optimal results, it’s crucial to transplant hair into two zones: a denser inner zone and a lighter outer zone, helping to avoid the halo effect.
• 😀 Crown restoration is more challenging than frontal scalp restoration due to the crown's unique curvature, which makes achieving density more difficult.
• 😀 Realistic expectations should be set for crown transplants, as achieving full density in a single procedure is often not possible, and multiple surgeries may be needed.
• 😀 Long-term success in hair restoration, especially in the crown, requires ongoing medical therapy (e.g., finasteride or minoxidil) to prevent further hair loss and maintain results.

Q & A

What is the main cause of hair loss at the crown of the head?

The main cause of hair loss at the crown is an elevated level of DHT (dihydrotestosterone), which causes hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop producing hair. This is the process known as miniaturization.

How can DHT levels be reduced to prevent further hair loss?

DHT levels can be reduced through prescription medications like finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride, or through natural alternatives such as saw palmetto or pumpkin seed oil.

What are the benefits of oral minoxidil for crown hair restoration?

Oral minoxidil has been shown to improve the fullness of hair, not just in the crown, but also in other areas of the scalp. It generally offers better results than topical minoxidil for crown thinning.

What non-surgical treatments can improve hair fullness in the crown area?

Non-surgical treatments that can help improve hair fullness in the crown include low-level laser light therapy, microneedling, PRP (platelet-rich plasma), scalp massage, and shampoos with ingredients like curcumin and caffeine.

How can scalp micropigmentation (SMP) help with crown hair restoration?

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) involves tattooing pigment onto the scalp to create the illusion of thicker hair. It works particularly well when there is some hair present in the crown, as it can help add density and avoid a 'halo' effect.

What is the halo effect in crown hair restoration?

The halo effect occurs when a hair transplant is focused too heavily on the center of the crown, leaving the surrounding areas looking sparse. This creates an unnatural look, which is why a balanced approach with a two-zone strategy is preferred.

What is the difference between FUT and FUE hair transplants?

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) involves removing a strip of tissue from the scalp and leaving a linear scar, while FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) involves harvesting individual hair follicles and leaving small circular scars. Both techniques are effective, but FUE tends to be less invasive.

Why is it harder to achieve high density in the crown compared to the frontal scalp?

The crown is a larger, more curved surface area, and its hair follicles naturally grow in a radial pattern, unlike the frontal scalp where hair often overlaps (shingles). This makes it difficult to achieve the same level of density with the same number of grafts.

What factors influence the number of grafts needed for crown hair restoration?

Factors include the size of the area to be covered, the patient's original hair density, the caliber of their hair, and the number of grafts that can be harvested from the donor area. A larger crown area or lower initial density may require more grafts.

Can a single hair transplant procedure fully restore density to the crown area?

It is unlikely that a single hair transplant procedure will fully restore density in the crown area, especially if the patient is starting with a completely bald spot. Multiple procedures may be needed to achieve the desired result.